Minister Jim O’Callaghan has launched some multimedia resources, including videos, designed to explain family justice processes to children in an age-appropriate way.
The series is aimed at children aged 8-12 years who are experiencing family change such as separation or divorce, or whose parents are navigating the family courts system.
The child-friendly family law resources are an important part of the ongoing reform of the family justice system in Ireland. They fulfil a key action in the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025, a programme of reform which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children.
Each video focuses on a specific topic or stage that a child may encounter as their family goes through the family-courts system or engages with family-justice processes such as mediation.
The department developed the videos in collaboration with organisations such as the Courts Service, Legal Aid Board, and Cuan.
At the launch the Minister said, “It is a priority for me that we ensure a greater understanding of the family law system in order to maintain and build trust in it. This applies to people of all ages, including children. During times of family change it is understandable that children and young people may have a lot of questions.
He added: “I would like to thank the many family and child-centred service providers who collaborated and engaged with my department. In particular, I want to mention the Courts Service, Legal Aid Board and Cuan, who generously shared their time, insights and first-hand experience throughout the development of these resources.
“Their involvement has been essential in ensuring the information provided is accurate and, most importantly, understandable for the children and their families who are accessing it.”
The series of videos is now available at gov.ie/FamilyChanges and can also be accessed on the Department’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DeptJusticeIRL
NB – This is a guide for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have an issue requiring legal advice, please contact any of the team at Nolan Farrell & Goff LLP, whose numbers can be found on our website www.nfg.ie, or email info@nfg.ie.
